Description
1. Product Overview
ABB REF615C_E (Full Order Code: HCFEAEAGABC2BAA11E) is a high-performance enhanced intelligent feeder protection and control IED within the ABB Relion® 615 series. It is developed for distribution networks with high penetration of distributed renewable generation, industrial power systems with bidirectional power flow, and urban ring networks with self-healing capability. The device integrates relay protection, high-precision electrical measurement, circuit breaker intelligent control, equipment self-supervision, feeder automation (FA) self-healing, fault recording & traceability, and multi-protocol redundant communication. It serves as an all-in-one core unit for digitalization, self-healing and intelligent upgrading of medium-voltage smart distribution systems.
This model is a high-end customized variant of REF615C_E. Compared with the standard version, it features five enhanced capabilities: highly sensitive anti-islanding protection, adaptive protection for bidirectional power flow, harmonic-suppressed sampling, ultra-fast FA interlocking and extended redundant communication. It perfectly accommodates complex operating conditions with bidirectional power flow caused by multiple PV and wind farm interconnections. Compatible with radial, ring and meshed network topologies, it effectively addresses industry challenges including voltage fluctuation, frequency disturbance, power flow disorder and unintended protection operations brought by renewable integration.
The IED complies with international IEC power standards as well as technical specifications for intelligent distribution equipment issued by State Grid and China Southern Power Grid. It holds IEC 61508 SIL3 functional safety certification and full IEC 61850 Ed2 protocol certification. Adopting an industrial pluggable modular hardware architecture, it is equipped with high-precision synchronous sampling chips, high-speed power-dedicated processors and dual redundant communication units. It delivers outstanding advantages such as high protection accuracy, ultra-fast fault response, strong immunity to harmonic interference, stable parameters over long-term operation and superior self-healing performance.
The customized I/O configuration and functional logic of HCFEAEAGABC2BAA11E fully satisfy intelligent management requirements for 10 kV/35 kV renewable interconnection circuits, ring tie feeders, industrial plant service circuits and conventional feeders. Supporting in-situ replacement of legacy equipment, system expansion and intelligent retrofits, it is widely deployed in smart substations, digital distribution networks, renewable power interconnection stations and industrial captive power plants.
2. Technical Features
2.1 Enhanced Protection for Renewable Energy, Adaptable to Complex Bidirectional Power Flow Conditions
The IED incorporates upgraded dedicated protection logic for distributed generation interconnection with a highly sensitive intelligent anti-islanding detection algorithm. It can accurately identify subtle islanding conditions and achieve rapid tripping and isolation within ≤200 ms, eliminating grid safety risks induced by island operation of renewable resources. The optimized adaptive identification mechanism for bidirectional power flow automatically accommodates forward/reverse power flow switching. It precisely distinguishes harmonic disturbances, abrupt load variations and power flow deviations originating from renewable generation, suppresses harmonic interference on protection sampling, and prevents false tripping, failure to trip and selective tripping malfunctions. It fully meets operational standards for modern distribution networks with high renewable penetration.
2.2 Ultra-Fast FA Self-Healing Enables Unattended Intelligent Operation
Embedded with advanced native feeder automation control logic, it supports fully automatic unattended handling for distribution circuits: accurate fault location → temporary fault isolation → rapid restoration of non-fault sections. Leveraging high-speed peer-to-peer GOOSE communication, it seamlessly coordinates with all protection IEDs within the substation. Fault section isolation can be completed within ≤100 ms, and power restoration for non-fault areas within ≤300 ms. This significantly shortens outage duration, reduces outage scope, improves supply reliability and self-healing capacity of distribution networks, making it ideal for unattended smart substations and self-healing distribution grids.
2.3 All-in-One Integrated Functions for Comprehensive Feeder Intelligent Management
It integrates a complete set of highly adaptable feeder protection, measurement, control and operation functions, including three-stage overcurrent protection, residual earth fault protection, negative sequence protection, overvoltage/undervoltage protection, overload and thermal protection, under/over frequency load shedding, three-phase unbalance protection, circuit breaker failure protection and auto-reclosing. It supports high-precision measurement of full electrical quantities: three-phase currents, three-phase voltages, active/reactive/apparent power, power factor, frequency, three-phase unbalance factor, accumulated energy, harmonic contents and real-time power flow direction. Functions including local/remote circuit breaker control, circuit condition monitoring, live alarm, fault recording, sequenced event recording (SOE) and operation trend analysis are available. One single unit replaces multiple traditional secondary devices, simplifies secondary wiring and substantially cuts capital investment and maintenance costs.
2.4 Millisecond-Level Precise Fault Response and Excellent Operational Stability
Equipped with ABB’s new-generation vector protection algorithms and high-speed processing chips, it achieves industry-leading sampling accuracy for voltage and current. Protection setting tolerance is minimal and operating times are highly consistent. The IED reliably discriminates complex operating conditions such as transient short-circuits, permanent earth faults, intermittent leakage, normal load fluctuations and renewable harmonic interference. It possesses powerful fault identification and anti-interference capability, fits well with grading coordination schemes of multi-level distribution networks and ensures fast, accurate and safe fault clearing.
2.5 Multi-Protocol Redundant Communication for Seamless Integration with Digital Platforms
Multiple built-in redundant communication interfaces support mainstream power protocols including IEC 61850 Ed2, GOOSE, IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/TCP and DNP3. Transmission options include Gigabit Ethernet, RS485/RS232 and extended fiber communication. It supports single-network, dual redundant network, GOOSE peer-to-peer and bus topologies, enabling seamless connection to substation automation systems, distribution automation platforms and dispatching SCADA. Remote parameter setting, remote circuit breaker control, real-time data uploading and active fault message pushing are realized to satisfy remote operation and coordinated control requirements of digital power grids.
2.6 Pluggable Modular Hardware for Easy Maintenance and Excellent Compatibility
Utilizing mature industrial pluggable modular design from ABB, power supply, sampling, I/O and communication modules are arranged in independent partitions without mutual interference. Individual modules can be replaced without removing the whole unit, modifying secondary wiring or reconfiguring programs. The customized I/O layout of HCFEAEAGABC2BAA11E matches mainstream 10 kV/35 kV distribution circuits in China. High hardware interchangeability enables rapid legacy equipment replacement, system expansion and function upgrades, lowering downtime and technical retrofit costs.
2.7 Rigorous Industrial-Grade Protection Suitable for Diverse Harsh Sites
The unit has passed stringent IEC 61000 EMC tests, temperature cycling aging, vibration shock and humidity cycling tests. Front panel protection class is IP54 and terminal block protection class IP20. It exhibits excellent dustproof, moisture-proof, anti-seismic and anti-electromagnetic interference performance. Free of vulnerable mechanical components, it operates at low power and low temperature rise. Continuous stable 7×24-hour operation is achievable for long-term deployment in substations, outdoor switchgear rooms, industrial power houses and renewable interconnection stations to meet uninterrupted power supply demands across industries.
2.8 Dual HMI + Full-Range Self-Supervision for Compliant Traceability & Efficient O&M
It integrates a high-resolution local Chinese LCD Human-Machine Interface (LHMI) and remote web-based HMI (WHMI). Local parameter setting, fault inquiry and real-time data viewing are supported, alongside remote online commissioning, fault record export, protection logic verification and remote parameter modification. Built-in comprehensive hardware and software self-supervision continuously monitors sampling circuits, I/O ports, communication links and power modules around the clock. Fault locations can be accurately identified with active alarming. Fault records, event logs and operation records are stored persistently to fully satisfy power industry requirements for fault tracing, compliant operation and acceptance filing.
3. Technical Specifications
3.1 Basic Specifications
Model: REF615C_E Full Order Code: HCFEAEAGABC2BAA11E Brand: ABB Series: Enhanced High-End Version of Relion® 615 Series Device Type: Medium-Voltage Intelligent Feeder Protection & Control IED Core Functions: Renewable interconnection protection, bidirectional power flow feeder protection, FA self-healing, full electrical quantity measurement, circuit breaker intelligent control, fault traceability, multi-protocol redundant communication Application Range: 10 kV/35 kV distribution networks with renewable integration, urban ring networks, industrial plant power systems with bidirectional power flow, self-healing distribution grids, intelligent retrofits of legacy distribution systems Hardware Characteristics: Pluggable modular architecture, high-precision synchronous sampling, high-speed processor, dual redundant communication, industrial anti-interference hardware Core Advantages: Strong adaptability to renewable operating conditions, fast FA self-healing, accurate and stable protection, high harmonic immunity, convenient maintenance, stable parameters over long-term operation
3.2 Protection Function Specifications
Main Protection Functions: Three-stage overcurrent protection (instantaneous overcurrent, definite time delayed overcurrent, long time overcurrent), residual overcurrent protection, high-sensitivity earth fault protection, negative sequence overcurrent protection, high-performance anti-islanding protection (trip response ≤200 ms), bidirectional power flow anomaly protection Backup Protection: Overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, overload protection, thermal protection, under-frequency load shedding, over-frequency protection, three-phase unbalance protection, voltage/frequency interlock protection Auxiliary Protection: Circuit breaker failure protection, auto-reclosing, fault blocking, soft-start blocking, circuit supervision, harmonic over-limit protection Protection Accuracy: Setting error of current/voltage protection ≤ ±1.5%; operating time error ≤ ±20 ms Operating Characteristics: Supports both definite time and inverse time modes; customizable protection curves for grading coordination of multi-level power networks Self-Healing Performance: FA fault isolation ≤100 ms; power restoration of non-fault sections ≤300 ms Fault Tolerance: Adaptive to renewable harmonic interference, abrupt load changes and bidirectional power flow fluctuations to avoid protection mal-operation, failure to trip and selective tripping issues
3.3 Measurement Accuracy Specifications
Measured Quantities: Three-phase currents, three-phase voltages, active power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, system frequency, three-phase unbalance factor, accumulated energy, harmonic contents, real-time bidirectional power flow direction Measurement Accuracy: Current and voltage ±1.5%; power and energy ±2.0%; frequency ±0.01 Hz Sampling Characteristics: High-speed synchronous sampling plus adaptive harmonic filtering, suitable for steady-state, dynamic, bidirectional power flow and harmonic-disturbed operating conditions Data Statistics: Daily/monthly/yearly energy accumulation, extreme value recording, load curve storage, operating trend analysis and harmonic statistics
3.4 Communication & Interface Specifications
Communication Protocols: IEC 61850 Ed2, GOOSE, IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/TCP, DNP3 Communication Interfaces: Redundant Gigabit Ethernet, RS485/RS232 serial ports, extendable fiber communication interfaces Network Topologies: Single network, dual redundant network, GOOSE peer-to-peer, point-to-point and bus topology compatible with self-healing grid interconnection architecture Data Transmission: Real-time uploading of telemetry and telesignalling, remote reception of remote control and remote adjustment commands, millisecond-level push of fault messages and oscillography data Commissioning Interfaces: Dedicated local service port, remote web commissioning port supporting online configuration, parameter modification, logic verification and fault record export
3.5 Power Supply Specifications
Operating Power: Wide-range AC/DC universal power supply Input Range: 80%～120% of rated voltage, tolerating regular grid fluctuations and transient voltage surges Power Circuit Features: Built-in surge, ESD, overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuits suitable for complex grid conditions Power Consumption: Low overall power design with low temperature rise and no power drift or parameter shift Supply Stability: Continuous operation during transient grid fluctuations and short power interruptions without device restart or data loss
3.6 I/O & Control Specifications
Digital Inputs: Multiple passive galvanically isolated DI channels for circuit breaker position, spring charged status, local/remote selector, equipment alarms, interlock status and grid condition signals Digital Outputs: Multiple relay DO channels for circuit breaker tripping/closing drive, fault alarm, system interlocking, fault trip output and self-healing coordinated control Control Functions: Local manual control, remote control, user-defined logic interlocks, auto-reclosing, FA coordinated self-healing control, fault lockout and bidirectional power flow blocking I/O Characteristics: Galvanic isolation on all ports for anti-interference and anti-false triggering, adapted to high electromagnetic environments at renewable interconnection sites Interlock Logic: User-configurable multi-channel I/O blocking and interlock logic for special conditions of ring networks and renewable interconnection systems
3.7 Environmental & Certification Specifications
Operating Temperature: -25℃ ~ +55℃ Storage Temperature: -40℃ ~ +85℃ Operating Humidity: 5%～95%RH (non-condensing, no corrosive gas) Electromagnetic Compatibility: Complies with IEC 61000 series industrial EMC standards; resistant to strong electromagnetic fields, high-frequency harmonics and electrostatic discharge Safety Certifications: IEC 61508 SIL3 functional safety certification, IEC 61850 Ed2 protocol certification, CE certification Protection Class: Front panel IP54; terminal area IP20 Mounting Type: Embedded / semi-embedded cabinet mounting Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg Operation Mode: Unattended continuous 7×24-hour operation Compliance: Conforms to international IEC power standards and technical specifications for intelligent distribution equipment of State Grid and China Southern Power Grid
4. Operating Principle
The ABB REF615C_E HCFEAEAGABC2BAA11E enhanced feeder protection and control IED takes a high-performance power-dedicated main controller as its core. With high-precision synchronous sampling technology, adaptive harmonic filtering algorithms, dedicated protection logic for bidirectional power flow under renewable interconnection and advanced FA self-healing programs, it realizes integrated intelligent operation including protection, measurement, control, communication and fault traceability for medium-voltage feeders connected with distributed generation.
Upon power-on, the unit automatically executes comprehensive hardware self-test, sampling circuit verification, I/O initialization, redundant communication protocol matching and loading of system parameters and self-healing logic. It rapidly completes initialization and enters standby status to ensure fault-free startup, stable program execution and smooth communication links.
During normal operation, high-speed synchronous sampling circuits continuously collect fundamental electrical quantities including feeder three-phase currents, three-phase voltages and system frequency. After adaptive harmonic filtering processing, core operating parameters such as power, energy, harmonic contents, three-phase unbalance and bidirectional power flow direction are accurately calculated. On one hand, local LCD displays operating status, electrical quantities and alarms for on-site inspection and commissioning. On the other hand, four-remote data are uploaded in real time to background systems via dual redundant communication links to realize remote visualized digital monitoring of distribution circuits. Meanwhile, circuit breaker status, spring charged status and local/remote signals are continuously collected, preset interlock and blocking logic are strictly executed, power flow fluctuation and power quality at renewable interconnection points are monitored to accommodate bidirectional power flow and guarantee compliant and stable operation of interconnected systems.
When faults such as short-circuit, overload, earth leakage, abnormal voltage/frequency, three-phase unbalance, islanding operation, excessive harmonics or bidirectional power flow disorder occur on the feeder, the IED instantly triggers corresponding dedicated protection logic. It accurately identifies fault type, magnitude and duration and rapidly outputs trip commands to isolate faults. Islanding faults from renewable generation can be cleared within 200 ms to eliminate safety hazards. Simultaneously, the FA self-healing program is activated.
Through high-speed GOOSE communication and coordination with adjacent IEDs, fault sections are isolated within 100 ms and power supply is restored for non-fault areas within 300 ms to minimize outage scope and duration and improve distribution network self-healing capability. Fault recording, SOE sequenced event logging and fault message storage are triggered automatically. Complete waveforms, time sequences and parameter data throughout fault events are retained to support fault review, hidden danger investigation and grid setting optimization.
For daily operation and maintenance, local manual control, remote circuit breaker control, online parameter setting and protection logic commissioning are supported. Comprehensive hardware and software self-supervision monitors hardware faults, circuit anomalies and communication interruptions 24/7 with active alarming. It fully safeguards safe, stable, self-healing and efficient operation of smart distribution networks with high renewable penetration.
5. Application Scenarios
5.1 Distribution Systems for Distributed Renewable Interconnection
Customized for 10 kV/35 kV circuits with multiple PV and wind interconnections. Leveraging enhanced anti-islanding protection, adaptive bidirectional power flow algorithms and harmonic-suppressed sampling, it addresses key challenges including islanding risks, voltage fluctuation, frequency drift, power flow disorder, harmonic interference and protection mal-operation caused by renewable integration. It ensures safe grid connection and stable absorption of renewable energy and satisfies intelligent operation standards for distribution networks with high renewable penetration.
5.2 Self-Healing Management of Smart Distribution Networks
Suitable for ring circuits, tie feeders and sectionalizing feeders in urban smart distribution networks and industrial park self-healing grids. Relying on ultra-fast FA feeder automation, it enables fully automatic unattended fault location, isolation and power restoration. Live maintenance, intelligent load transfer and grid reconfiguration are supported to significantly improve supply reliability and self-healing performance for unattended smart distribution sites.
5.3 Industrial Plant Power Systems with Bidirectional Power Flow
Applied to medium-voltage plant service circuits with captive power plants, waste heat power generation and on-site PV generation in industrial facilities. Characterized by large fluctuating industrial loads, frequent bidirectional power flow switching, complex electromagnetic environments and high continuity-of-supply requirements, it prevents unexpected outages and equipment failures via accurate stable protection logic and strong anti-interference performance, securing continuous production and avoiding economic losses due to shutdown.
5.4 Intelligent Management of Conventional Medium-Voltage Feeders
Widely deployed on municipal 10 kV/35 kV overhead lines, cable feeders and substation incoming/outgoing circuits. It delivers full feeder protection, high-precision measurement, intelligent control and condition monitoring. One single unit replaces multiple traditional secondary devices, simplifies secondary system architecture and raises automation and intelligence levels of conventional distribution systems.
